A new report by Eekad claims to present the first visual evidence of Israeli military support for armed factions in southern Syria’s Suwayda province, focusing on footage originally posted by a local fighter affiliated with the militia of Hikmat al- Hijri. While previous investigations like those of the Washington Post claim Israeli ties to Hijri predate Assad’s fall, the Eekad report claims to have visual proof of direct aid.
According to Eekad’s findings, the investigation began with a video published on Jan. 29, 2026, by Hussam Darwish, a Druze fighter operating in Suwayda. The footage shows Darwish observing two military helicopters flying overhead. Eekad analysts examined the terrain visible in the video and determined the aircraft were passing over the town of Atil, north of Suwayda, after approaching from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Eekad reported a comparison of the helicopters’ design strongly suggests they are American-made Black Hawk models, which are used by the Israeli military. The report notes key identifying features, including the visible landing gear during flight and distinct airframe structure, differ from Russian-made helicopters typically used by Assad regime forces.
Flight Paths and Landing Sites Identified
Building on the initial footage, Eekad traced possible flight paths for the helicopters using geographic mapping and additional video evidence. The report outlines two likely routes, both originating from the Golan Heights. One path moves directly toward northern Suwayda before heading south, while the second passes through Busra al-Sham and continues into southern parts of the province.
The investigation also examined potential landing sites. Eekad identified two locations as the most plausible: a military position known as the 44th Regiment north of Suwayda and an airstrip in the town of Kafr. The report places particular emphasis on Kafr, citing additional footage linked to a social media account under the name “Kanaz Al-Bani.”
Eekad found that Al-Bani, who appears to have filmed the original helicopter video, later posted footage showing himself near the Kafr airstrip. This connection, the report states, indicates the site may have been used by Hijri militia forces and could have served as a landing point for the helicopters.
Further supporting the analysis, Ekad cited separate footage from April 6 showing similar helicopters flying over Busra al-Sham toward Suwayda. Additional sightings in October reportedly showed helicopters equipped with winglets, which the report notes are compatible with Black Hawk modifications for carrying fuel tanks or weapons systems.
Profile of the Fighter Behind the Footage
Eekad’s investigation also focused on Darwish, the individual who first shared the video. According to the report, Darwish is a Druze fighter with a history of involvement in pro-Assad militias, including the Eagles of the Whirlwind. He was previously detained by the authorities and later joined what is described as the Military Council in Suwayda following the collapse of central control in the region.
The report highlights a series of social media posts attributed to Darwish suggesting early preparation for conflict in Suwayda. On April 9, 2025, weeks before major unrest in the province, he reportedly warned Druze residents in Bedouin neighborhoods about potential bombardment. On June 4, he shared video of weapons training, which Eekad interprets as evidence of organized military buildup prior to clashes that erupted later that summer.
Eekad also documents posts showing the detention and interrogation of civilians during the violence. According to the report, images and videos published in early August depict arrests and what it describes as the desecration of bodies, raising concerns about human rights violations by militia members.
Claims of Outreach Toward Israel
In addition to the visual evidence, Eekad’s report points to social media activity that it says promotes cooperation with Israel. Darwish is described as having shared posts encouraging work opportunities in Israel, along with images of Israeli soldiers stationed on Mount Hermon.
The report further alleges that Darwish posted digitally altered images showing himself wearing Israeli military equipment and insignia. Eekad suggests these posts were intended to signal a direct relationship with Israeli forces, although it does not independently verify the authenticity of such claims.
Broader Implications Remain Unclear
Eekad concludes that its findings provide evidence of Israeli logistical or military support to armed groups in Suwayda. The report bases this conclusion on the identification of helicopter models, mapped flight paths and connections between social media accounts and suspected landing sites.
However, the report does not include confirmation from independent observers or official responses from Israeli or Syrian authorities. The broader context of the alleged support, including its scale and strategic purpose, remains unclear. The claims come amid ongoing instability in southern Syria, where local militias, sectarian tensions and shifting alliances continue to shape the security landscape.
